Marañon, or cashew, in English, is widely known as a nut. It is, however, a seed—that of the Anacardium occidentale L. tree, an evergreen that grows to more than 40 feet tall. The fruit, a pseudocarp or false fruit, is oval or pear shaped and often called a cashew apple. It ripens into a yellow and/or red color and smells and tastes sweet. The true fruit is a drupe growing at the end of the cashew apple. It resembles a boxing glove. Within this is one seed, or the so-called cashew nut.
WHERE IT CAN BE FOUND:
Caribbean, Central America, South America, India, China, East Africa
PROPERTIES AND USE:
Decongestant, digestive, stimulant, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, purgative, tonic, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, hypoglycemic, antimalarial, and used to treat wounds, “heat” in the system, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, colic
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION:
For all conditions, boil a large handful of leaves and branches in 1 gallon water. Strain, and drink 1/2 cup per day as necessary. You may also juice 2 fruits and drink throughout the day. For too much “heat” in the system, fever, hypertension, and high blood sugar, boil a 1-inch by 1-inch piece of bark and a leaf for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, and drink 1 cup two times per day. For colic, administer
2 teaspoons per day.
